Article June 23, 1923 Issue

Office

RENA B. PARKER

As defined in the dictionaries, office means "function, activity, a duty to perform, service, business, responsibility, that which a person does for others, or a duty that arises from one's relation with others." The office of the Christian Science practitioner is not merely the place to which he goes for the purpose of carrying on his work, but in its larger meaning it also embraces the mental sense of the definition just given. The fullness of office means not only peace, but prayer, dutiful and loving service, a pure desire to show forth the works of the Father and to glorify God.

Spiritually regarded, then, office is the expression or manifestation of the activity of divine Mind in that consciousness which dwells "in the secret place of the most High." The door by which we enter is a state of spiritual receptivity, open to the revelation of Truth, but closed to every suggestion of evil. Office is the place where thought reverently and obediently turns to listen to God; it is the place where Solomon stood when he listened for the voice of God and heard it saying, "Mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place."

When the literal office of the Christian Science practitioner has expressed within it this larger meaning, it becomes, indeed, a holy place and fulfills its holy purpose. It is a refuge from the storm; it is a haven of rest; it stands for that which is good and pure and true. There may be found the inspiration of Truth, the atmosphere of Love, obedience to divine Mind, deliverance from wrong; and it represents peace and righteousness. Because God's presence illumines it, not the least element of evil should find place or expression in it, nor anything that defileth or marketh a lie. It is a clearing-house, not a storehouse, for that which is unworthy or inadequate; therefore, nothing of false selfhood should remain in it. Self-seeking, self-ease, self-will, or self-interest should find no abiding place there. "Into His haven of Soul there enters no element of earth to cast out angels, to silence the right intuition which guides you safely home," writes Mrs. Eddy on page 152 of "Miscellaneous Writings."

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